When it comes to household air filtration, there are two main types of air filters: fiberglass air filters and pleated air filters. Fiberglass filters have a MERV rating of 1 to 4, which means they can generally remove larger particles from the air, such as pet hair, dust bunnies, and cheerleader pom-poms. However, they are not very effective at preventing harmful particles from entering the home and lungs. Pleated filters, especially those with a higher MERV rating, are much more effective at capturing even the smallest particles.
For example, a MERV 13 Health Shield filter from Second Nature can capture at least 50% of particles between 0.3 and 1 microns in diameter. This includes small particles such as pet dander and smoke particles from rare birds. Fiberglass filters are so inefficient with particles this small that their efficiency is close to zero. Because of their efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, pleated filters outperform fiberglass filters in almost every category. If you want long-term savings and high-quality filters that need to be changed frequently, pleated air filters are the best choice for you.
In the case of allergies or respiratory problems, they are an excellent option because they are efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. In terms of MERV classification, or the measure of the ability to filter even small particles, fiberglass ranks quite low. They are generally only available with low MERV scores, which means they are not capable of filtering smaller particles. They are generally not suitable if you have asthma, severe allergies, if you have a large family, or if you have a smoker in your house. However, your HVAC system has specifications and some require a lower MERV rating to prevent the system from working too hard. In those situations, the fiberglass filter could be an advantage for you.
Fiberglass filters are often referred to as “disposable” or “throwaway” filters because they are only designed to last about 30 days before they need to be discarded and replaced. The buyer usually justifies using fiberglass filters to save money, but keep in mind that you'll have to replace these filters monthly and ultimately you'll get what you pay for. One of the decisions you'll have to make when finding the right filter for your home's HVAC system is whether you should buy a pleated filter or a fiberglass filter. Pleated filters provide better air filtration than fiberglass panel filters because of their efficiency with small particles. Fibreglass filters are often referred to as “disposable” or “throwaway” filters because they are only designed to last about 30 days before they need to be discarded and replaced. The buyer usually justifies using fiberglass filters to save money, but keep in mind that you'll have to replace these filters monthly and ultimately you'll get what you pay for.
Fibreglass filters allow better airflow than pleated filters but this difference is largely irrelevant when it comes to the health and efficiency of your HVAC system. In terms of MERV classification or the measure of the ability to filter even small particles fiberglass ranks quite low. In the modern era of air filtration pleated filters outperform their fiberglass counterparts in almost every category. The biggest advantage of using fiberglass air filters is that they are economical compared to more advanced filters such as pleated filters or whole-house air filters. If you have any questions about fiberglass air filters or if you would like to have a heating and cooling system repaired or installed in your home contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning your St. Louis area HVAC experts.
When particles pass through the fiberglass air filter and enter the system one of two things happens: either it passes through without being filtered or it clogs up the filter causing it to become less efficient over time.
